March 1997

Sparrow
Solo
Southport

By Deni Kasrel

Pianist Sparrow's soloing straddles a fine line between searching ECM-type sonics and a soothing new agey sound. He creates evocative atmospheric music playing glistening notes that occasionally cascade for dynamic effect. It works nicely at the outset, but gets worn out by the end. This effort winds up a repetitive limited variation on a theme, save for a few exceptions where diversionary exoticisms are slipped in.